Students will love watching this favorite folktale come to life in modern, musical fashion! With book, music, and lyrics by local theatre maker Matthew Hager (creator of “Gazellephant”), this 40-minute show is full of catchy tunes, compelling characters, and equal parts humor and heart. With this adaptation, not only will students look at a classic story in a new way, but they will also learn along with the characters about forming and nourishing healthy relationships with their friends and family.

The story follows the three Gruff kids, who don’t get along very well, but that doesn’t concern them much. Bart, the oldest, is bossy and always fighting with the youngest, Gigi. And poor middle child Milton just can’t seem to get anyone to calm down and play with him. One day, after Mama heads to work, Gigi runs away from home to go to The Other Side. On her way, she encounters a troll that lives under the bridge. Pretty soon, Gigi realizes being a troll is much better than being the youngest kid: folks might be scared of trolls, but at least they leave them alone! Before long, Bart and Milton go in search of Gigi, missing their little sister more than they expected, even though it means they have to cross the scary bridge. Some fears are worth facing for family. In the end, the Gruff kids reconnect and realize that “love will bring them home.” Plus, a surprising twist ending brings home the message of family for the Troll, too.

Artist Background

Based in Raleigh, NC, Aggregate Theatre Company was created in 2017 with the mission of developing a younger (youth and young professionals) theatregoing audience in the Triangle. To date, Aggregate has produced ten shows, including eight world premieres. Aggregate’s productions have been eclectic in nature, varying from traditional stage plays (“The Stonewater Rapture”) to immersive workshop performances (“Vanya in Los Feliz”) to interactive experiences (“In Good Taste: Shakespeare at Brewery Bhavana”) and children’s productions (2018 Children’s Theatre Series). In addition to theatrical productions, Aggregate also has produced multiple audio dramas (“Stuck Stories” and “Giselle la Trent the Gazellephant”) and developed a theatre education branch that goes into schools and other public and private organizations to share the joy and inspiration of theatre.

Search Criteria

• Program Type: Performance
• Discipline: Music, Theatre
• Grade Level: Elementary
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County